LOCKHEED MARTIN has held negotiations with Aerovodochody and engine manufacturer Motorlet on possible industrial offset packages which could accompany a deal to sell F-16 fighters to the Czech Republic.
A team of industrial experts from the US manufacturer arrived in Prague on 1 July for discussions with several Czech companies.
The size of the offset package largely depends on whether the Czech Republic purchases new F-16C/Ds, used F-16A/Bs or, as is thought most likely, leases used A/Bs. Up to 36 aircraft are required by 2005, to replace the air force's ageing Mikoyan MiG-21 Fishbeds.
According to Oats Schwarzenberger, the company's director for market development in central Europe, the team's objective is to "-listen to what the Czech industry's and Government's long-term objectives are" about industrial co-operation. He says that talks over the procurement of F-16s have been put on hold while a new Czech Government is being formed.
A top-level Lockheed Martin team, lead by president for Eastern Europe Bob Clifford, had earlier briefed officials on how an F-16 purchase would complement the Czech Republic's desire to achieve NATO membership.
"We are offering a long-term commitment to assist the Czech Republic in integration with NATO," says Clifford. "This is not to say that the Czechs must buy F-16s to get into NATO. However, such an acquisition would make them a member of a well-established team of European F-16 operators, all of whom are also NATO members."
Source: Flight International
